hodgkin's lymphoma prognosis | Hodgkin's disease: symptoms, treatment, prognosis, diagnosis, what is it?

Hodgkin's disease: symptoms, treatment, prognosis, diagnosis, what is it?



Hodgkin's disease is part of the lymphoma family. It is a cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Once inevitably fatal, his prognosis has greatly improved his last years.

Definition: What is Hodgkin's disease?

Hodgkin's disease is one of two categories of lymphoma, or cancer of the lymphatic system, with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

It is manifested by increased lymph node volume as a result of the development of Reed-Sternberg cells, the tumor cells characteristic of the disease. It then spreads progressively through the lymphatic network and can reach the liver, spleen, tonsils, bone marrow or thymus.

Hodgkin's disease is much less common than non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It affects about 3 people on 100,000, most often adults between 20 and 40 years.

The prognosis of Hodgkin's disease has improved considerably in recent years. Once fatal, it can now be fully cured in 60 to 95% of cases.

Symptoms of Hodgkin's disease

As with any lymphoma, the first clinical sign of Hodgkin's disease is the appreciable increase in lymph node volume. It is non-painful and located at the groin, neck or armpit level.

Fever, night sweats, high fatigue and loss of appetite combined with slimming are also most often observed.

Causes of Hodgkin's disease

The causes of Hodgkin's disease are still unknown. However, research has shown that the Epstein-Barr virus, the cause of infectious mononucleosis, increases the risk of contracting pathology.

Diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease

The main examination of the diagnosis of the disease is ganglionic biopsy. It is a small incision to extract part or all of a lymph node. Analyses are then performed on the lymphatic tissue to detect cancer cells and confirm the presence of lymphoma.

A blood test, a chest X-ray or an abdominal scan can also help the doctor in his diagnosis.

Treatment of Hodgkin's disease

During the early stage of Hodgkin's disease, treatment is based on radiation therapy. This involves targeting the lymph nodes with high energy X-rays.

If the disease progresses at an advanced stage, chemotherapy is used to destroy the Reed-Sternberg cells. It is often combined with radiation therapy.

The treatment may also include an autografting of stem cells. These healthy cells are taken from the bone marrow before chemotherapy before being reintroduced.